HAMPSHIRE and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance celebrated its fifth birthday with a summer fair that was attended by hundreds of visitors.

The service, which has flown more than 3,500 missions since launching in 2007, held the event at Popham Airfield, near Basingstoke, with a host of activities for all the family.

Along with classic cars, a hot air balloon display and children’s rides, visitors could also browse craft stalls and enjoy a range of musical performances.

Sherie Ellen, charity manager for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, said this was the biggest event the organisation had ever held.

She added: “It has been a fantastic day. It is great that we have been able to get the public involved, and hopefully it will raise more awareness about who we are and what we do.”

The charity receives no Government funding and must raise £110,000 every month to survive.

Sherie said: “We really do rely on the generosity of the public so this was a great way for us to say thank you as well.”

Among those talking to visitors was pilot David Bronnimann, who joined the service in 2008 and has flown on hundreds of missions.

He said: “We help to save lives, and at the end of the day that is what it is all about. Not every job is life-threatening but they are all important. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance plays a huge role in the county.”